Are you ready to travel to any of the Schengen countries? All packed to go? But before you start your journey, let’s double-check on necessary aspects, such as your Schengen travel insurance policy, as part of your visa application process. Schengen insurance online is an obligatory document for all travellers planning to travel to Schengen countries.
Whether you have planned a leisure or corporate travel policy to any of the Schengen countries, with a deep understanding, you can get maximum to embark maximum prerequisites from your trip. This article will help you understand all requirements, including adequate coverage required for the trip. So let us understand some of the essential factors of Schengen travel insurance India that you should know before undertaking your journey.
Countries Included in Your Schengen Visa
The Schengen visa]provides a gateway to 26 European countries, including –
| Austria | Liechtenstein |
| Belgium | Lithuania |
| Czech Republic | Luxembourg |
| Denmark | Malta |
| Estonia | Netherlands |
| Finland | Norway |
| France | Poland |
| Germany | Portugal |
| Greece | Slovakia |
| Hungary | Slovenia |
| Iceland | Spain |
| Italy | Sweden and |
| Latvia | Switzerland. |
Essentials of Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa
- The most crucial requirement is at least 30,000 EUR or 50,000 USD
- The insurance should be authenticated for all the member countries.
- The insurance should cover any cost required for medical attention, death, repatriation of the body, and emergency health issues.
- Although it is highly recommended to have medical insurance, the Schengen visa insurance policy is mandatory too.
If you check the website, it is mentioned that it is better for travellers not to depend on group insurance policies with medical cover only, as there might be limitations to that. Therefore, it is best to have an individual travel policy that effortlessly covers medical and non-medical challenges. So explore all inclusions and exclusions and purchase the one travel policy that suits you. The travel insurance will cover not just your flight but also local travel through private & public travel in case of any crisis.
Who Can Issue Schengen Travel Insurance?
A Schengen travel insurance is a health policy that you already have
as some employment contracts may cover international medical emergency expenses; regardless, there are some limitations to what is covered and what is not.
Most travellers travelling to Schengen areas prefer purchasing a respected individual Schengen travel insurance policy for the number of days they plan to spend in Europe from their preferred insurance provider. But it is also essential to check that the insurance company that is issuing the Schengen travel insurance is licensed and approved by the Schengen country you have planned to travel to.
What coverage does good travel insurance for Schengen provide?
- Medical necessities
- Emergency cases like evacuations
- Hijacking
- Repatriation of remains on death.
- Return of a minor
- Trip cancellation, rescheduling, or interruptions
- Accidental death, injury or disablement and dismemberment
- Overseas outpatient, hospitalisations, medicine, death, and funeral expenses
- Lost/damaged stolen baggage, personal effects, or travel documents
- Delayed baggage or replacement for emergencies
- Travel delays due to inclement weather
- Even pregnancy coverage is possible during the first trimester, but after that, each policy’s terms will vary. Review specifics for each policy before you make a pick.
Whether Schengen Visa Insurance Plans provide Coverage for COVID-19?
Some Schengen insurance policies provide coverage for COVID-related illness, which include-
- Health emergencies allied to COVID-19, including medical treatment, medication, and hospitalisation.
- A PCR test (depending)
Although expenses related to quarantine requirements, such as accommodation, are not covered. The amount of COVID insurance coverage depends on the specific policy. Also, often times international travel insurance policies do not cover so make sure you enquire before buying your travel insurance for Schengen countries.
Basic Exclusion of Schengen visa policies
Although most Schengen visa policies have their list of exclusions, we are listing the basic exclusion(not covered by the insurance company)
Any pre-existing medical condition
Pre-existing medical conditions like cardiac issues, diabetes, and high blood pressure are usually not covered under travel medical insurance. Even the acute onset of a pre-existing condition, which had been treated but has again appeared without any warning, is not covered many times. If any pre-existing condition exists, be sure to include it by paying the extra premium on the policy or getting an add-on cover.
Adventure Sports
Adventure sports with risks involved, like skydiving, scuba diving, and others, are only covered if you get an add-on.
Travel to high-risk areas
Travel to high-risk geographical locations such as war-based countries, countries suffering from severe natural disasters, or acts of terrorism is also not covered by travel insurance.
Conclusion
Travellers must have a travel insurance policy when they plan to visit any of the 25 European countries included in the Schengen visa. Before backpacking, the travellers must ensure that the insurance company issuing the policy is licensed and approved by the Schengen country with the exclusion provided above. Therefore it is best to thoroughly review the prerequisites and exclusions before purchasing the Schengen travel insurance policy to get the most out of your Schengen travel experience.